Abbreviation | Kreimist, Kreim, Lebanese Missionaries, MLM, Apotres |
---|---|
Motto | A mission’s productivity is the fruit of a holy life / جنى الرسالة من فيض القداسة |
Predecessor | Father Elie MADI, MLM |
Formation | May 8, 1865 |
Founder | Father Youhanna Habib (Emeritus Archbishop later) |
Type | Religious institute |
Headquarters | Monastery of St. John the Beloved |
Location | |
Superior General
|
Very Rev. Malek Abou-Tanos, MLM (Superior General of the Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries) |
Vicar General
|
Father Maroun Moubarak, MLM |
Counselors General
|
Father Younen Obeid, MLM; |
Parent organization
|
Maronite Patriarchate |
Staff
|
120 |
Website | www.lebanesemissionaries.org |
Father Younen Obeid, MLM;
Father Fadi Tabet, MLM;
The Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries (Arabic: جمعية المرسلين اللبنانيين الموارنة, also known as the Kreimists or Krayme) was founded at the monastery of Kreim - Ghosta (Mountain of Lebanon) in 1865 by Father Youhanna (John) Habib, Emeritus Archbishop of Nazareth later. An earlier community was founded there in 1840 but died out.
The Congregation, as a Clerical Religious Congregation of patriarchal jurisdiction, enjoys special consideration from the Patriarch and Bishops.
The official title of the Congregation's leader is "Superior General of The Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries"; He is generally addressed as Father General.
As of 2013[update] the Superior General is the Very Reverend Father Malek Abou-Tanous, MLM, and he oversees 4 bishops, 96 priests, 20 seminarians, and 2 novices.
The Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries grew and according to the founders' notes "the people started coming to see the missionaries seeking assistance, counseling and listening to their talks and guidance. Then the priests went all over Lebanon preaching and hearing confessions... and the people loved them and respected their way". This Congregation takes part in all kinds of missionary work, because "We are in need of mission's project", as Father Stephan Kozah, one of the founders of the Congregation and its first Superior General, repeated many times. Archbishop Youhanna Habib's wish when he addressed the first members, constitutes a good summary of the Congregation's goals: "The best thing for me that I see you before my death spread as Jesus' disciples around the world and the east, proclaiming the Good News, tolerating the need, persecution, and death out of love for the One who shed His blood for us" (Hebrews 11:26). So, the Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries is a community working to announce the gospel anywhere, in the east or the west, without hesitation or delay.
1. The Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Grace
2. St. John: Apostle & Evangelist, Our Patron Saint (Feastday: September 26 / May 8)